FDIC Raises Premiums

WASHINGTON -- Banks, which have already been hurt by the recession, will have to pay more to insure their deposits.
Saying that the increases in bank failures have caused a strain on the insurance system, the FDIC last week announced a 7-basis-point increase in premiums starting next year.
Banks currently pay between 5 and 43 basis points (between 5 cents and 43 cents for each $100 of deposits). Under the new rate structure the range will increase to between 12 and 50 basis points with most banks being charged between 12 and 14 basis points, according to the regulatory agency.
"With higher levels of bank failures, the FDIC's resolution costs have increased significantly. This assessment increase creates a path for the fund to return to its statutorily mandated level," FDIC Chairman Sheila C. Bair said.
ABA President/CEO Ed Yingling said banks are capable are meeting the new premium structure.
"The premium increases announced today by the FDIC are significant, and even though they pose an extra burden on every bank, the industry is quite capable of meeting this obligation," he said in a statement.
--cmarx@cutimes.com